The Ridolfi, Throckmorton, and Babington Plots

The Ridolfi Plot - 1571

Get Spanish support from Philip II who had troops in the Netherlands to help overthrow Elizabeth.

Murder Elizabeth I.

Replace Elizabeth with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Mary would marry Duke of Norfolk to secure an English heir.

Outcome

The Duke of Norfolk was executed in June 1572.

Elizabeth decided to leave Mary imprisoned.

Elizabeth started to worry about Spanish intentions and tried to improve relations with France as a result of this.

The Throckmorton Plot - 1583

Key players

The Duke of Guise

Mary, Queen of Scots

Francis Throckmorton

Philip II

The Pope

Plan

The French would invade England with Spanish financial support.

Mary would be rescued from imprisonment.

Mary would replace Elizabeth and restore Catholicism in England.

Outcome

The threat of foreign invasion became even bigger threat, and fear of the enemy within increased. Life became even more difficult for Catholics in England as Elizabeth was forced to be harsh on them and many fled to other countries.

The Babington Plot (1586)

Key players

The Duke of Guise

Philip II

The Pope

Anthony Babington

Mary, Queen of Scots

Plan

Catholics within England will encourage Catholics to rebel.

The Duke of Guise will invade England with 60,000 men and support from Phillip II (Spain) and the Pope.

Elizabeth will be murdered.

Outcome

Mary, Queen of Scots was finally tried by the Privy Council and found guilty.

Mary, Queen of Scots was executed.

It was openly clear that Spanish and English relations were very hostile.